p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 5. (2/3/1909)

The Tuberculosis Exhibition

Beginning with November 15, 1908, a monster tuberculosis exhibit opened in New York City. The exhibition consisted of charts, photographs, maps, models, diagrams, and all sorts of paraphernalia that have to do with the prevention, study, or treatment of tuberculosis. Exhibits from fifteen different countries were in evidence. Fifty thousand square feet of floor space, and a hundred and ten thousand square feet of wall space were necessary for the display. Ten special cars and twelve hundred packing-cases were required to transport it. It was educational. It told what consumption is doing, how it may be stopped, and ended up by telling how it can be cured, making hopeful the hearts of many who are afflicted. It remained in New York City for one month, and at the end of that time it was broken up into several units and returned to the several states and countries.

Political Apprehension in Portugal

Great apprehension exists in Lisbon, a cablegram tells us, concerning the government of Portugal. It is feared that the whole people may revolt. There are serious questions whether the government would be strong enough to put them down.

Story of Pitcairn Island.

By E. H. Gates

The island, tho but a dot on the broad Pacific, being but two and one-quarter miles long by one and a half miles wide, is an interesting spot, and its history reads like a romance. Its location is a favorable one, being about two degrees south of the Tropic of Capricorn, for which reason the weather is never so intensely hot as in some of the islands of the south seas, and is never cold. Beautiful tropical trees,—the tall, graceful coconut palm—cover its surface from end to end. Refreshing breezes, cooled and moistened by passing over thousands of miles of ocean, constantly fan the surface of this lovely isle. It can be truthfully said of this island that

"Every prospect pleases."

The people who inhabit this little Eden are half-castes, their dark features and black hair plainly betraying their Tahitian blood, tho some of them have quite light complexions and blue eyes. At present there are but about one hundred and thirty of the inhabitants. The kindness and hospitality of this interesting people have been remarked by all who have ever called at the island.

We believe this little book will be read with profit and delight by all who are so fortunate as to secure a copy.

(Signed) E. H. Gates, Supt. Polynesian Mission.

"Story of Pitcairn" contains 266 pages, and is illustrated with 26 engravings. Cloth binding, price, $1.00, post-paid. Pacific Press Pub. Co.

Early Writings.

By Mrs. E. G. White. A new edition of this popular book, rearranged and reprinted from new plates. This book is a compilation of the first published writings of the author, and contains many encouraging words for those who are looking for the soon return of our Lord. Cloth, 75c; limp leather, $1.25. Address this office.

Feeding the Mind.

By Emma Hildreth Adams

By Emma Hildreth Adams.

[Mrs. Adams is not writing from theory, but from many years' experience as a teacher, an author, a keen observer, of wide experience. She has not frittered away time, and her mind is as fresh, as eager, as youthful to-day as in the yester years. We commend her thoughtful and intensely practical article to our young readers; yes, to all of them.—EDITOR.]

It need hardly be stated that in order to develop rightly, to accomplish its noblest work, to reach its highest attainment, the mind of man, equally with the body, requires nourishment adapted to the purpose; for, like the body, it thrives or wastes through that it feeds upon.

In perfect wisdom the divine Creator has so constituted the mind of man that, under the influence of proper food, taken temperately, judiciously, it may think great thoughts; may plan mighty schemes; manage intricate affairs; produce happiest results from correct causes, indeed, may think, and act, and live in harmony with God.

Further, thoughtful, observant persons may discern that all invasion of this plan of God, all departure therefrom, cripples man's ability, sows great mental discomfort for him, plants large territory with evil, and reaps bountiful harvest of pain and punishment.

How does the mind require food? In infancy, through sight and hearing and feeling chiefly, if not solely. To these, later, will be added conversation, reading, and observation.

Two classes of reading hold out tempting invitation to those who have taste therefor — the harmful, destructive, poisonous order, and that which nourishes, builds up, invigorates, gives life to the mental powers.

To decide with which variety one will build his mind, is ever — when the ultimate consequences are heeded — a most serious, and oftentimes a momentous matter. It is the purpose of this article to study briefly the effects of mental food, obtained through reading.

There is to-day a vast field of literature which deals indeed with facts, with events which actually occur, with happenings which are wholly real, but at the same time are frightfully sensational, blood-stirring, wasteful, as food for the mind.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8.

On this field achieve their amazing success many daily papers throughout the land. They present column after column filled with paragraphs and short articles which shock, daze, benumb the mind, dissipate its power to think closely, deeply, logically.

Also on the shelves of many public and private libraries, and especially of second-hand bookstores, are to be found publications — books, periodicals, pamphlets — devoted to fiction, which are deluding, destructive, poisonous in their effects. They lack every element of pure food for the mind. They are read eagerly, greedily, daily, by hundreds of men and women, old and young.

To spend the precious hours of this ultra-busy, prophecy-laden, alarmingly significant period with such faulty works, is simply to throw away time; is to vitiate all taste for reading which enlightens; is to supplant all concern for salutary information, for knowledge which brings a blessing. It is to sin.

Unquestionably, it is the most serious duty of every aged man and woman, of every young man and woman, now, in this sharp, testing time, to do the things, and read the matter — so far as possible — which will develop the highest possibilities of mind and soul.

To this lofty end, there is, in all the vast field of literature, no instrumentality so perfectly adapted as the Word of God.

Taken from Genesis to Revelation there inheres in its moral and spiritual teaching a force, a power, an energy, which arouses, stirs into life and action, mind and soul. And, what awakens keenest surprise and adds boundlessly to the value of the wonderful Book is the strange fact that the more one reads, studies, thinks upon, practises, its varied, far-reaching teachings, one's pleasure, profit, and fascination therein increase.

Reader, have you been for a long time a true student of this most peculiar, most individual of books? If so, have you not observed in yourself an ever increasing relish for its splendid display of spiritual, moral, scientific, and philosophic truth; its brilliant exhibition of majestic poetry; its thrilling chapters of sad, sin-stained history; its wonderful display of triumphant FAITH?

And have you not observed in yourself an ever increasing capacity to understand, fathom, appreciate this truth, this poetry, this history, this FAITH?

Then, too, out of this Book, as from an overflowing fountain, have been pouring for centuries streams of literature uplifting, upbuilding, fascinating. Alcoves in city libraries are filled with volumes drawn from it. Home bookcases are jeweled with them. Like the fountain from which they come they are filled with meat for heart, mind, and spirit, yes, and for the body also.

But, aside from the Bible and the broad field of literature related thereto, there are stores of publications dealing with all manner of natural history, subjects all ably written, beautifully illustrated, filled with delightful facts, and giving acquaintance with the myriad works of Christ the Creator of all things.

At city libraries these books can be had for the asking. Time spent in reading them is loaned out at an interest incalculable. They feed thought, they clothe thought, they lead thought up, into, and along the Creator's lines of thought. Mentally, they bring the student face to face with Him.

Now, since there are munificent supplies of such reading, within possible reach of perhaps the majority of people, is it not a step of deepest import, of gravest consequence, if one turns aside for mental food from opportunity so promising to the deluding, destructive publications read, so greedily, so generally to-day, even by boys and girls too young to exercise sound judgment in matters so important?

The high possibilities of their being — in this life and in that to come — are pushed aside for pernicious entertainment. The responsibility of parents in this matter exceeds all estimate. Need of care on their part, in the case is beyond all expressions.

Saying and Doing.

By H.

These expressions have been often compared. We know the relative value of saying and doing. Every one considers of little worth the man who is ready with words, but fails to back up those words with worthy deeds. And we consider of less worth the man whose words imply a character which his deeds utterly deny. He claims a large

capital, but can pay but little. He claims righteousness, but his life is filled with mean dealings. To such as this some one has said, "How can I listen to what you are saying, when what you are keeps thundering in my ears?" Happy is the one whose deeds come up to the standard his words imply. H.

In the Morning.

By Matthew Baird

IN THE morning, in the morning, "when the mists have rolled away," When the sun in splendor shineth, bringing in the "perfect day," Then the children of the kingdom, with their palms and harps of gold, Will be gathered to the mansions, safely in the Master's fold.

They'll come marching, marching, marching, rising from their dusty beds, "Come with songs of joy and gladness everlasting on their heads," And the "sorrow and the sighing" with the mists shall flee away, When the King of Kings returneth, bringing in the perfect day.

Clothed in "garments of salvation" "unto Zion they'll return," And with Heavenly welcome enter nevermore to weep or mourn, And the praises of redemption they will shout for aye and aye, When the resurrection morning ushers in the perfect day.

O, to be accounted worthy with that company to stand When the Lord "makes up His jewels" "in the glorious holy land," And to know my robes all spotless with His righteousness shall shine, Brings a blessed satisfaction to this longing heart of mine.

In the smiles of my Redeemer, then, I'll press the journey on Till I'm called to lay my burdens and life's cares and duties down. And He'll be my help and comfort, He will be my strength and stay, Till the resurrection morning ushers in the perfect day. MATTHEW BAIRD.

Our Bible Band

Schedule for Week Ending Feb. 13, 1909.

Morning.	Evening.
Su. Feb. 7 Lev. 1, 2, 3.	Matt. 24:1-28.
Mo. “ 8 “ 4, 5.	“ 24:29-51.
Tu. “ 9 “ 6, 7.	“ 25:1-30.
We. “ 10 “ 8, 9, 10.	“ 25:31-46.
Th. “ 11 “ 11, 12.	“ 26:1-25.
Fr. “ 12 “ 13.	“ 26:26-50.
Sa. “ 13 “ 14.	“ 26:51-75.

Suggestive Notes.

"Leviticus" is so called, because it has to do with the tribe of Levi. It is the book regulating the priesthood and its offerings. Chapters 1 to 7 inclusive are special instructions and directions concerning the various offerings. They are also instructive as showing us God's hatred of sin and how sin demanded its penalty. All these offerings and types are shadows of the great substance which is in our Lord Jesus Christ. Chapters 8 and 9 have to do with the consecration of Aaron and his sons.

In chapter 10 is a valuable lesson on the necessity of temperance. Aaron's sons were destroyed because they identified themselves with sin and broke God's express commandments, because their minds had become confused by the wine which they drank.

Leviticus 11 contains one of the great diet laws of the Bible. It divides the animal kingdom into two classes, clean and unclean. Not an arbitrary division, but one existing in the very nature of the creatures themselves. This would not indicate, however, by any means that the clean creatures were the best food which man could eat. The directions of the Lord are permissive rather than mandatory. The best food still is that which God gave in the very beginning — vegetable food. This chapter and our readings to the close of the week, and even beyond, are all what might be called sanitary instructions; chapters 12, 13, and 14 having to do with leprosy. Eminent physicians tell us that there are no better instructions given than are here given concerning contagious diseases, or diseases which leave contagious or infectious germs in buildings.

Our New Testament readings begin at Matthew 24 and close with Matthew 26, covering the great discourse of Jesus on His second coming, parables of the talents and virgins applicable thereto, the arrest and trials of our Lord before the Sanhedrin and the chief priests. Lessons of intense interest are they. While some of the Old Testament lessons are not of so much interest, dealing as they do many times with ceremonial uncleanness, the New Testament presents before us the Saviour of the world, His power, and His wonderful example.

Steps to Christ. This little work, by Mrs. E. G. White, presents in a simple and attractive manner the steps by which the sinner may be made complete in Christ. While the book is an excellent guide for inquirers and young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those who are laboring with the difficulties that beset a growing experience. Paper covers, 20 cents; cloth, plain edges, 60 cents; cloth, gilt edges, $1.00. Address this office.

Singing in the Rain.

By Eben E. Rexford

(Eben E. Rexford, in S. S. Times.)

LAST night I heard a robin singing in the rain, And the raindrops' patter made a sweet refrain, Making all the sweeter the music of the strain.

So, I thought, when trouble comes, as trouble will, Why should I stop singing? Just beyond the hill It may be that sunshine floods the green world still.

He who faces trouble with a heart of cheer Makes the burden lighter. If there falls a tear, Sweeter is the cadence in the song we hear.

I have learned your lesson, bird of dappled wing, Listening to your music with its lilt of spring,— When the storm-cloud darkens, then's the time to sing.

OPPORTUNITY

By Editor

presents itself of doing self-supporting missionary work with the Signs Monthly. Many agents devote all their time to its sale; others spare time only. The following is from one of them:

"We had so many precious experiences which made us strong in faith. God certainly richly blesses His workers, and it is my desire to stand firm in the truth and work for the Master."

AGENTS WANTED

By Editor

Everywhere in the United States and Canada. Persons without previous experience have developed into very capable agents. We furnish helps—instruction in salesmanship, and canvasses for each number. This magazine sells readily. One agent sells 400 copies a week regularly. The work is pleasant, educational and remunerative. Get free sample copy from your tract society, or the publishers at Mountain View, California.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

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By Editor

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DATE OF EXPIRATION.

By C. H. Jones

The SIGNS' wrapper bears date of last issue due on your subscription. Unless renewed in advance, paper stops with expiration date.

If herewith is an order-blank, you will know you have overlooked sending renewal. You will not wish to miss a single issue. Back numbers often can not be furnished.

C. H. Jones, Circulation Manager

Bible-Readings for the Home Circle

By C. H. Jones

Bible-Readings for the Home Circle. This book comprises 162 readings for public and private study, and answers nearly 3,000 questions on religious topics—practical, historical, and prophetical. It contains 600 octavo pages, printed on a superior quality of tinted paper, embellished with 57 full-page engravings and 170 ornamental headings, together with 10 full-page Scriptural and prophetic diagrams, 3 colored plates, and other attractive features. The bindings are elegant and substantial, the styles and prices being as follows: Cloth, gilt side title, marbled edges, $2.75; library, marbled edges, $3.75; full leather, marbled edges, $4.75. Cheap edition, 400 pages, solid type, no illustrations or colored plates, no poetry, thin paper, brown cloth, plain edges, $1.25. Address this office.

Bibles

By Editor

Bibles.—Remember that we are headquarters for anything in the Bible line. We shall be pleased to send you our catalog of Bible selections on application. Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.

Panama Canal Cost and Political Conflict

By Editor

According to despatch from Washington, the Panama Canal is expected to cost $500,000,000 exclusive of the purchase price, $40,000,000. This is $95,000,000 in excess of three times the estimated cost — $135,000,000. A new bond bill has been introduced calling for the sale of Panama Canal bonds to the amount of $365,000,000, total now proposed is to be fixed at $500,000,000.

The closing weeks of President Roosevelt's administration are in no wise pleasant to contemplate. The antagonism which has existed in milder forms to quite an extent throughout his administration between him and the Upper House of Congress, and to some extent in the Lower House, is now breaking out in a virulent controversy. Several of the strong men in both Houses of Congress are throwing themselves into the conflict against the President, using every means in their power to express their feelings of enmity, and blocking whatever measures he desires to see carried through, which are not absolutely necessary; and it certainly must be confessed that there seem to be serious mistakes on his part in taking notice of some of the things which newspapers and men are saying. It would be much more dignified if men who have to do with different branches of government would give themselves right to their work instead of engaging in personal vituperation and unseemly quarrels.

California Sunday Legislation

By Editor

We are giving in this issue considerable space to the California Sunday legislation. It is of more than local interest. California is the only state in the Union which has no Sunday law. That, by some, is considered a disgrace; by those who look upon it rightly, we believe that it would be considered a matter of honor. Christianity at her best was lived out in an empire that was wholly antagonistic to it. Every god worshiped in the Roman world had a place in the Roman calendar of gods, with the exception of Jehovah and His Son Christ Jesus. Christianity came into the iron monarchy of Rome with heathenism enshrined in every law, and yet there it won its greatest triumphs. It does not need the help of civil law. Civil law can not enforce morality. Every attempt to enforce morality or religion has resulted in injustice and tyranny. Such laws are always unequal, inconsistent. The very mildest of them are utterly inadequate to meet the wishes of their promoters. After the passage of such a law is secured, there will be constant attempts to amend it, until what is called the ideal Sunday law, the old Puritan Sunday law, is established. Such was the beginning of the Dark Ages.

The Dismissal of Yuan Shi-kai

The dismissal by the Chinese Regent, of Yuan Shi-kai, the Prime Minister, has been a matter of a great deal of speculation on the part of the Western powers. Some have considered him a thorough reformer, and yet others have pointed out that he is not so much of a reformer as was supposed, and conclude that his dismissal will not be a part of any reactionary policy which will be followed in the present government.

California Bills Threaten Press Freedom

By Editor

Two bills are before the Legislature of California which ought to receive the reprobation of a free press and of free men; namely, Assembly Bill No. 23, repealing the provision that any person bringing action for libel shall put up a bond for $500, as a protection to the press. With that repealed it is possible for persons having grudges against newspapers to annoy them and bring suit under the flimsiest pretext. Of course, this would be a constant matter of expense to the paper in defending the suit. Assembly Bill No. 18 makes libel a felony. These bills are a direct blow to the freedom of the press.

Study the Sabbath Question, Reader.

By Editor

In the face of all the demands for Sabbath, or rest-day, or Sunday legislation, do you not think you ought to study the Sabbath question, and to help your neighbor to study it?

Well, let us suggest a very inexpensive way of doing it. Send for "The Lord's Day the Test of the Ages" to this office. It covers in a brief, comprehensive way the Sabbath question from Creation to the present time,—in the patriarchal ages, in the Levitical age, in the Christian age. It is packed full of testimony, Biblical and historical.

It is only 10 cents post-paid. Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.

Impulse or Principle.

By Editor

It has been remarked by a daily paper that it is a sad, sad fact that humanity is touched more by spectacular troubles than by the common, every-day sort. There is suffering on every side in our own land, and yet we go on day after day without feeling it or thinking about it. A great disaster occurs in Italy, South America, the West Indies, and the world's treasury is open, and the world's steamships are chartered for the purpose of relieving the wants of those who suffer. Really, is our sympathy true sympathy after all? Is not the very truest sympathy that which is touched by the nameless suffering that is going on all around us on every side, and many times voiceless suffering, of those who suffer uncomplainingly, which, if our own hearts were sensitive enough, we could see and feel ourselves? These examples of devotion and generosity in times of great calamity are good as far as they go. The great need is that they shall be made habits, but habits can only come from inborn principle. These generous outbursts are often the result of mere impulse. Still the fact that they are so spectacular, leads the world to overestimate them. In the development of our character, what we should aim at after all, is the constant doing of right things, and the following of noble principles rather than yielding to the impulse of the moment. The meteor's flash is a startling thing, but the constant, steady shining of the star is better.

Russia’s Record Year of Repression

Notwithstanding the liberal provisions which Russia has favored during the last few years, they seem to not yet have gone into effect. The record year for political prisoners was last year. 42,347 exiled to Siberia. The executions for December were the largest of any month in the year, numbering 327. The total for the year, 2,102 condemned to death. 17,347 compelled to penal servitude and Saghalien for life; and 26,000 to shorter sentences. This, of course, is stirring up the Duma, or Russian Parliament, and new revolutions may grow out of it.

Get-Rich-Quick Schemes

By Editor

"Get-Rich-Quick" Schemes.— Ever and anon we are receiving letters from persons in various parts of the United States inquiring as to such a mine, or a certain tract of land opened for settlers, which promises great returns, in California and elsewhere. To all such we can only say, Be not deceived. Investigate thoroly before you purchase or invest, but do not spend too much money in the investigation. There are many "get-rich-quick" schemes which chiefly pay the promoters and speculators. Always be wary of those who promise inordinate "big" things. They will bear double investigation.

The Beginnings of Things

By Editor

The Beginnings of Things.—The Christian Advocate says: "To-day, in church and state, one of the greatest mistakes being made, and the source of countless others, is the neglect to consider well the beginnings of things." This is true; and if Dr. Buckly would consider the beginnings of Sunday and Sunday legislation, the beginning of the Sabbath and true Sabbath-keeping, he would never again advocate a Sunday law.

Town and Country Journal

The best, the very best, paper for farmers, ranchers, gardeners, etc., in California and the West in all lines pertaining to the soil, is the Town and Country Journal, published at 330 Jackson St., San Francisco, Cal. There are good eastern journals, but they pertain to the East, while this journal is published for the Coast. It is clean and reliable. Twice a month, 50 cents a year.

Petitions Against Sunday Legislation

There have been presented in the Sacramento Legislature petitions against all Sunday-law and other religious legislation aggregating nearly 40,000 up to date. This is the largest number of petitions ever presented either for or against any measure in the Legislature of California.

Survivors Found After Italian Earthquake

One of the strange things in connection with the Italian earthquake disaster is the finding of people after fourteen days had passed, alive in the ruins, and yet the weather had been cold and rainy during most of the time.

Theater Managers Threaten Sunday Restrictions

One class of theater managers in New York declare that if certain concerts are closed all others shall be, and Sunday fishing shall cease.

California Floods

By Editor

California has been suffering from floods, especially in the Sacramento Valley. The damage has been very great, in fact, the worst for many years. The river has registered in several places more than a foot above high-water mark, and while the levees have been much better protected than in former years, the amount of water has been too great, and many islands and towns have been overwhelmed. Sacramento has been entirely cut off from the railway, and a large portion of Stockton has been submerged. Overland trains have been held up and mail has been greatly delayed, but the rain seems to be over now and the rivers are going down. Many thousands of dollars' worth of damage, however, has been done.